Abstract: A method of cooling a liquid process fluid in which a liquid process stream is formed from the liquid process fluid and the process fluid contained within the liquid process stream is frozen into a conveyable particulate form. The conveyable particulate form is introduced back into the liquid process fluid. The liquid process fluid can be contained within a container and pumped through a pipe connected to the container to form the liquid process stream. A freezing chamber connected to the top of the container can be provided to countercurrently directly exchange heat between rising vaporized coolant and descending liquid process fluid. The resultant conveyable particulate form can be metered by provision of a valve.

Abstract: A free piston Vuillermier machine which is an external combustion heat machine using a regenerative cycle, wherein a low-temperature displacer is made hollow to form a low-temperature displacer gas spring chamber, a low-temperature displacer rod is made hollow to form a hollow chamber for accommodating a high-temperature displacer rod therein as well as a high-temperature displacer gas spring chamber. Further, in the above configuration, a gas spring chamber passage may be formed to make the high-temperature displacer gas spring chamber communicate with the low-temperature displacer gas spring chamber. A high-temperature displacer mechanical spring may be provided in the high-temperature displacer gas spring chamber, and a low-temperature displacer mechanical spring mounted on the low-temperature displacer rod may be provided in the low-temperature displacer gas spring chamber.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus for removing aromatics and/or higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from a methane-based gas stream comprising the steps of (a) condensing a minor portion of the methane-based gas stream thereby producing a two-phase stream, (b) feeding said two phase stream to the upper section of a column, (c) removing from the upper section of the column an aromatic- and/or heavies-depleted gas stream, (d) removing from the lower section of the column an aromatic- and/or heavies-rich liquid stream, (e) contacting via indirect heat exchange the aromatic- and/or heavies-rich liquid stream with a methane-rich stripping gas thereby producing a warmed liquid stream and a cooled stripping gas stream, (f) feeding said cooled stripping gas stream to the lower section of the column; and (g) contacting said two-phase stream and the cooled stripping gas stream in the column thereby producing the aromatic- and/or heavies-depleted gas stream and the aromatic- and/or heavies-rich liquid stream.

Abstract: A drive for driving a displacer in a cryogenic refrigerator includes a rotatable cam having a cam surface. The cam is rotatable about a pivot point with a cam follower contacting the cam surface. Rotational motion of the cam is converted into reciprocating motion of the cam follower. A displacer rod is coupled between the cam follower and the displacer for transferring the reciprocating motion of the cam follower to the displacer for driving the displacer.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electron microscope specimen comprises a refrigerant container, a passage for introducing the refrigerant into a heat-exchanging position, a flow rate-adjusting valve mounted in an exhaust passage and a control unit. The flow rate of gas produced by evaporation is adjusted by a rate-adjusting valve. The control unit establishes either a maximum flow rate mode for rapid cooling or a minimum flow rate mode for observation of an image.

Abstract: A cryogenic control system measures rotational resistance in a cryogenic food mixing machine such as a vacuum tumbler or agitator blender to determine by test the length of time it takes from the start of chilling to reach the maximum energy level T.sub.me, and the length of time it takes to chill the product to the desired forming point stiffness T.sub.f, to establish a ratio T.sub.f /T.sub.me for that product and batch size. This ratio can then be used for subsequent cycles, regardless of cryogenic flow rate, to determine the optimum product chilling point.

Abstract: The process and apparatus are based on a triple-column system, having at least a high-pressure column (7), a medium-pressure column (8) and a low-pressure column (9). Feed air (1) is compressed to a first pressure (2). A first partial stream (101, 103, 104) of the resultant air feed (3) is sent into high-pressure column (7) after it has been compressed to a second pressure (5, 102), which is at least equal to the operating pressure of the high-pressure column (7). A second partial stream (201, 202) of the compressed air feed (3) is fed into the medium-pressure column (8). A third partial stream (301, 303, 304) of the compressed air feed (3) is engine-expanded (305) and then fed (306) into the low-pressure column (9). Fractions (18; 26) from the high-pressure column (7) and the medium-pressure column (8) are introduced at least partially into low-pressure column (19, 20; 28, 29). Nitrogen-enriched top fractions (10; 21) from high-pressure column (7) and medium-pressure column (8) are condensed (11; 22).

Abstract: A downflow heat exchanger, particularly applicable as the main condenser/reboiler of a double column cryogenic air separation plant, wherein liquid distribution for uniform flow is carried out above the vapor passages and the well distributed liquid is passed into the liquid passages, preferably angularly onto the bridge fins, and then down through the liquid passages cocurrently with vapor in adjacent vapor passages.

Abstract: A regenerative type engine which improves efficiency is provided. The regenerative type engine with fluid control mechanism comprises a radiator arranged in a position which is at least one of between the pressure fluctuation source and a regenerator and between a cold head and a phase regulating mechanism, and a flow path controller connected to the radiator, for independently regulating the flow path in the forward process and the flow path in the backward process of the operating fluid within the system of the regenerative type engine, the flow path controller independently regulating the flow path in the forward process and the flow path in the backward process such that the flow path in the forward process passes through the radiator and the flow path in the backward process bypasses the radiator.

Abstract: Cooled and purified air is introduced into a higher pressure rectification column and separated into oxygen-enriched liquid and nitrogen vapour. A stream of the oxygen-enriched liquid is flashed through a pressure reducing valve to form a mixture of liquid further enriched in oxygen and vapour depleted of oxygen. The liquid is reboiled by reboiler. A stream of the further enriched liquid is reboiled in condenser and is introduced into a lower pressure rectification column for separation into oxygen and nitrogen products. Reflux for the columns and is formed by condensing in condenser nitrogen vapour separated in the higher pressure rectification column. A reboiler provides an upward flow of vapour through the column. The condenser and reboiler take the form of a single heat exchanger. The reboiler is located in a phase separator, the reboiler is located in a rectification column containing liquid-vapour contact devices above the level at which fluid issuing from the valve is introduced.

Abstract: A heating and cooling machine, operating according to a regenerative gas cycle process with a working medium, has a pressure-tight housing and a heat source connected inside the housing. Two linearly moveable pistons are positioned inside the housing. The two pistons delimit therebetween a warm working volume and are driveable by a control unit. The first piston together with the housing delimits a hot working volume loaded with heat from the heat source. The second piston together with the housing delimits a cold working volume. Regenerators as well as a warm heat transfer element and a cold heat transfer element are positioned in the housing. The three working volumes communicate with one another through the regenerators and the warm and cold heat transfer elements. A partition for transmitting heat energy generated by the heat source to the hot working volume, has the shape of a radially symmetrical dome and is connected to the housing so as to be heat-insulated relative to the housing.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet apparatus comprises a superconducting coil unit, and a refrigerant-filled chamber type refrigerator having a plurality of cooling stages. At least a final cooling stage of the cooling stages includes a static-type refrigerant-filled chamber and is associated with the superconducting coil unit, and at least a first cooling stage of the cooling stages includes a movable-type refrigerant-filled chamber.

Abstract: A multistage type tube refrigerator comprising a regenerator-side pressure oscillation generator, first regenerator connected to the regenerator-side pressure oscillation generator, first cold head connected to the low temperature side of the first regenerator, a first pulse tube having one end connected to the first cold head and the other end connected by way of a first flow regulating mechanism to a first pulse tube-side phase shifter, second regenerator having one end connected to the first cold head and the other end connected to the second cold head, a second pulse having one end connected to the second cold head and the other end connected to second pulse tube-side phase shifter by way of second flow regulating mechanism, in which the first pulse tube-side phase shifter and the second pulse tube-side phase shifter are controlled independently of each other. Further, the pulse tube refrigerator operated while setting the phase angle of the pulse tube-side phase shifter to -50.degree. to -120.degree.

Abstract: A digital computer controlled air-cycle air conditioning machine for aircraft contains an electrically powered compressor that turns independently of expansion turbine rotation. An electrical generator coupled to the expansion turbine creates additional electrical power during the air expansion portion of the refrigeration cycle. Under control of the computer, that additional electrical power is returned to the electrical supply for re-use with the compressor. The compressor and turbine are manufactured as a unitary assembly. The generator's field windings rotate with the turbine and the generator's armature rotates with the compressor shaft. Voltages generated in the generator's field winding are thereby dependent on the differential speed between turbine and compressor.

Abstract: A high efficiency oxygen/air separation system uses waste heat produced by an internal combustion engine to produce pure or enriched oxygen for combustion in the internal combustion engine. Nitrogen is eliminated from the combustion process, thus preventing the formation of nitrogen oxides. The formation of other particulates is also reduced as the exhaust gases are repeatedly burned. The separation system includes a manifold heat exchanger, a vane compressor/expander, a spent nitrogen heat exchanger and an insulated container. Air is first compressed in the integrated vane compressor/expander. Compression energy is provided from the expansion of the spent nitrogen after that nitrogen has been heated to exhaust manifold temperatures. High efficiency is achieved through simultaneous expansion and compression. The compressed air is cooled through a spent nitrogen heat exchanger and enters the insulated container, where the oxygen separation takes place.

Abstract: In a process for liquid evaporation by heat exchange with a gas which condenses, the pressure of the liquid to be evaporated is reduced and it is enriched in a constituent which has little volatility after evaporation. According to an alternative form, the gas to be condensed can be enriched in the constituent which has little volatility.

Abstract: A trap body is removably attached in the housing inserted in that portion of the exhaust passage which is situated on the upstream side of a vacuum pump, and has cooling fins for cooling the tramp materials in the exhaust gas brought into contact with the cooling means, thereby liquefying the tramp materials. Therefore, the tramp materials, such as unaffected process gases, products of reaction, etc., contained in the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage, are cooled and liquefied when they are touched by the trap body cooled by the cooling unit, and adhere to the surface of the trap body. Thus, the tramp materials in the exhaust gas can be removed lest they damage the vacuum pump on the downstream side or close up the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A cryogen recondensing system magnetic resonance imager superconducting magnet and a cryogen recondensing system with a rare earth displacement material cryocooler and superconductive lead bismuth magnetic sleeve provides superconducting current flow of currents induced by movement of the rare earth displacer which generate opposing magnetic fields to shield the superconducting magnet from the magnetic interference of the cryocooler rare earth displacer. Strips of high conductivity wave-shaped aluminum or sapphire rods may be embedded in the surface of the sleeve to lower the thermal resistance of the superconducting shield to enable it to quickly reach superconducting temperature.

Abstract: Improved cooling of electronic heat loads aboard aircraft is achieved in a system including a sealable aircraft cabin (10), first and second electronic heat loads (38), (40) and a means (42) for maintaining a desired pressure within the cabin (10). A rotatable turbine wheel (16) is associated with an overboard dump port (32) such that air being dumped overboard from the cabin is expanded to rotate the turbine wheel (16). A mechanical load (20) is connected to the turbine wheel (16) for harnessing the rotation thereof and means (24), (60) are employed for using the air expanded by the turbine wheel (16) for cooling at least one of the loads (38), (40).

Abstract: A cryogenic cold shelf for use in a freeze drying system having a cryogen distributor for passing cryogenic fluid into the shelf volume of the cold shelf at differing rates so as to even refrigeration provided over the entire shelf resulting in a uniform temperature over the cold shelf.